After the Tragedy -- Concrete Steps for Workplace Suicide Postvention: Interview with Barb Smith

"Whether you are the CEO, the supervisor, or just your co-worker, we need everyone to be comfortable in having that conversation."Where do we start and what do we do after a suicide has impacted our community?This week we have Barb Smith here to discuss Workplace Postvention. If you're not familiar with workplace postvention, trust me, you're not alone. Most workplaces are unprepared for the aftermath of a suicide, and this episode is truly pivotal in changing that.Barb dives into the concrete actions workplaces can take after the death of an employee, a family member, a vendor, or any part of their community by suicide. Workplace suicide “postvention” involves activities that reduce risk and promote healing, helping organizations support their team while honoring the loss. Though postvention is a response to a tragedy, preparing for it before such an event occurs is critical, as “Postvention is suicide prevention for all those left behind.”Barb discusses the practical and compassionate steps in an effective postvention plan, sharing her insights on the profound impact that workplace support—or the lack of it—has on those navigating grief. From creating a clear coordination point person to ensuring your team is well-prepared, Barb highlights why ‘checking the box’ with an EAP service is insufficient without specialized training for postvention support. We explore why returning to ‘business as usual’ too quickly can be harmful and emphasize the importance of actions like personal outreach, family support, and carefully planned communication.Think of a postvention plan as a workplace “fire drill”—a structured, practiced approach to crisis that helps everyone understand their role and respond with compassion and composure. This is an increasingly common experience, and it’s essential to have a thoughtful plan in place before tragedy strikes. We cover the importance of having a plan in place before you ever need it. Think of it like a fire evacuation plan—something that’s well-thought-out and practiced, so everyone knows their role when a crisis arises.Barb shared some heartfelt personal insights, which underscore the emotional toll a workplace suicide can have and the necessity of a well-organized response plan. For example, workplace support—or lack thereof—can significantly impact how an individual navigates their grief journey. For mor information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/after-the-tragedy-concrete-steps-for-workplace-suicide-postvention-interview-with-barb-smith-ep-54